CREATOR'S CHILDREN: ALLIES AND ENEMIES

By Valerie Walsh

A deadly evil, unwittingly created, slaughters the Tridents, a peaceful race in the Deneb star system. Not satisfied, it seeks out all life with one purpose, total annihilation and its next target is Earth. Galaxie, Guardian of the Milky Way and an immortal, races to Earth to beg the help of a small group

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Welsh
• Release date: Nov 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087989181

Valerie Walsh

This is Valerie’s first book, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a published author. After coming second in a short story competition back in the 90s, Valerie pursued her dream by completing a number of creative writing courses and was successful in having some short stories published in women’s magazines, such as Woman’s Way and Woman’s Own. Valerie is from Dublin, Ireland, but now lives in the United Kingdom. Her spare time is spent horse riding and working toward her ultimate goal of being a successful author.

Book preview

CREATOR’S CHILDREN:

ALLIES AND ENEMIES

By: VALERIE WELSH

CREATOR’S CHILDREN:

ALLIES AND ENEMIES

COVER by VALERIE WELSH

Copyright © 2017 by Valerie Welsh

Editor: Lisa Shaw

All rights reserved in all media.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced

Without written permission.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters,

Locations and incidences are products of

The author’s imagination and any

Resemblance to actual people, places or

Events is coincidental or fictionalized.

ISBN-13: 978-1976244094

ISBN-10: 1976244099

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my best friend and husband, Bob Welsh. His support, patience and thoughtfulness has always been an inspiration to me.

.

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I’d like to thank my editor, Lisa Shaw, who paid meticulous attention to detail. I’d like to thank my two boys who were fantastic cheerleaders, always encouraging me.

~Chapter One~

While Earth leaders and General Eon of the Waring race negotiated the trade of ships and weapons to allow Humanity to fight the coming destroyer, Astwihad, Quin and Ayisha from the Trichinas race began to brainstorm about what they would do.

Ayisha leaned back against the arm of the couch and put her feet on Quin’s lap. We could sneak aboard one of Astwihad’s battleships and sabotage their engines.

Quin nodded, rubbing Ayisha’s feet. Or, we could change the locks on the cell doors where the prisoners are held. When a clone goes to eat, he won’t be able to get into the cell. He frowned, shaking his head. Nope, won’t work, because they wouldn’t be able to feed the prisoners either.

We could set the prisoners free in at least one of the battleships. Maybe if we opened the doors for them, they would fight for themselves? Ayisha sighed as Quin kneaded her calf muscle.

After an hour of brainstorming, Quin slapped his forehead, Why not!? Why don't we just do it!?

Ayisha, taken aback by Quin's outburst, jerked her feet off his lap. Do what?

Take charge and begin this fight without the Humans!

What are you talking about? How would we take charge?

I have an idea. Quin jumped off the couch and pulled Ayisha up with him. Let's talk to Aidan and Galaxie.

Can I at least put my shoes on first? Ayisha grinned at Quin’s enthusiasm. She sat back on the couch and slipped her sneakers on, tying them at a snail’s pace.

Quin bounced up and down on the balls of his feet, resisting the urge to tie Ayisha’s sneakers for her.

As soon as Ayisha straightened up, Quin grabbed her hand and they flew through the room. Exiting the door of the Trichinas secret underground base so fast the door appeared to remain closed. They phased through the underground garage and through the Dragonfly Casino Hotel.

Quin threw open Aidan’s office door, dragging Ayisha behind him. They both stopped short and stared at Galaxie who sat on the bar, her legs wrapped around Aidan’s waist.

Quin blinked. Whirling around he knocked three times on the door he and Ayisha had just come through. Taking a deep breath he smelled cinnamon and sunshine in the air. A feeling of protectiveness towards Ayisha came over him.

Aidan turned and looked in their direction, greeting them warmly, Hey Quin, Ayisha. He stayed where he was as Galaxie looked over his shoulder. Hello.

Quin realized he was grinning like a fool. Looking down he saw he still held onto Ayisha, who had moved closer to him. Sorry, love. He released Ayisha's hand. I sure hope Galaxie gets control of her emotions soon. 

Turning to Aidan he said, I’ve got an idea I want to run by you.

Ayisha shook off the euphoric feeling overwhelming her, flexing her fingers. Dropping into a black leather loveseat, she frowned at Galaxie.

Liam, Quin's brother, came in with a stack of papers for Aidan to sign. Aidan picked Galaxie up and set her on her feet. Just put those on my desk, Liam. He ran his hand over hers before taking the drink she offered. Thank you, my love, his thoughts, soft as a kiss, caressed her mind.

Quin spoke silently to his brother so as not to interrupt Aidan and Galaxy. Have a seat; I want you to hear this too.

Liam sat on a big, black, leather recliner next to Quin and Ayisha. While Aidan and Galaxie sat across from them on a matching couch. Once everyone sat down, Aidan turned to his friend. Okay Quin, let’s hear what you have to say.

Ayisha and I talked and we’re worried the Humans are not moving fast enough. We should start without them. Let's translate to one of Astwihad's battleships and steal one of their fighters. We can take the fighter to General Eon's people, who can…you know, research the thing and find out how the clone fighter works. Quin looked around the group intently.

Ayisha looked at Quin in surprise. She had no idea their brainstorming had led him to this conclusion. Rather impressive! She thought, remembering how Quin’s hand felt in hers.

A brilliant idea, Quin! Galaxie smiled, resting her hand on Aidan’s thigh.

I like how you think, Quin. Aidan grabbed Galaxie’s hand. I can't stand just sitting here waiting.

Turning to Liam, Quin asked, Are you in, big brother?

Hell yes, I'm in! What's the plan? Liam spoke a little too loud. He blushed, trying to control his rampant emotions. I wonder if someone should talk to Galaxie or Aidan about the powerful feelings affecting everyone near them?

First of all, let’s get our armor on and head up to Solana. Quin stood, holding out his hand for Ayisha. I’ll tell you the details of my plan then. As soon as I come up with them, he thought.

Aidan rose and pulled Galaxie to her feet, leading the way out of his office.

Once the five friends were seated around Solana's conference room table. Quin stood. First off, I need to know if you can telepathically run me through how to fly one of the clone fighters? He stared at Galaxie.

Of course, Galaxie nodded.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Quin turned to his fellow Trichinas. I'm not sure of all the details, but we should have Solana translate us into one of the clone battleships. Maybe she could put us right into a launch bay. If she could get us into one with little or no activity, that’d be better. Two of us will board one of the enemy fighters, while the others provide backup and take care of opening the bay doors and keeping them open. When we’re away and safe, Solana will translate the others back here. As soon as we dock on her with the stolen fighter, we high tail it back to Earth. Quin looked around the table, his eyes full of expectation. What do you think?

Silence filled the room as everyone looked at each other and back at Quin.

Ayisha stared at Quin with appreciation, albeit focused on his appearance, rather than his masterful plan. He’s so cute, she mused, feeling warm and cozy. She jerked up straight and shook her head, frowning. Galaxie needs to get her shatterglass together or I’m going to pop her one.

Liam and Aidan stood up to speak at the same time. Aidan bowed and let Liam take the deck. I'm impressed little brother. I believe we've got ourselves a plan; we just have to decide who will do the flying and who will be the backup.

They are finally catching on. Galaxie observed the proceedings in silence. I have no doubt the Trichinas can defeat Astwihad and his clones. She smiled. Sobering she thought. However, I am not sure they can do it in time to save the Earth.

Ayisha raised her hand, her voice strong, I volunteer for the backup duty. I'll get the fighter bay doors open and keep them open.

Aidan stood. I’ll be your co-pilot Quin, unless Liam wants the job. Aidan glanced at Liam who shook his head, the job’s all yours.

Quin nodded to Aidan. I'll fly with Aidan as co-pilot. Liam will watch our backs along with Ayisha.

All right; I propose we leave before we decide we're a bunch of idiots and talk ourselves out of this. Aidan grinned. Let’s head to the Armada and figure the rest out once we get there. Agreed? Aidan grinned again at the round of yeas’. He communicated their plans to Ramses, Shakina and Connor as he asked Solana to take them within a safe distance of Astwihad's Armada.

When they arrived, everyone sucked in a breath as they observed the incredible size of the enemy. Galaxie stood in front of the view screen, Solana has us on long range visual; they cannot see us.

If we're so far away, why do they look so close? Ayisha’s voice trembled.

Quin leaned away from the viewing screen. How big is the space station and has the armada grown since we last saw them?

Astwihad's space station measures approximately seven hundred miles across from star point to star point. That’s why we can see the station so well from this distance. The main body measures four hundred miles across, with each spoke one hundred fifty miles long and three hundred miles high, about the size of a small moon. The battleships you see surrounding the main station are approximately fifty miles long, each. And yes Quin, the Armada has grown. Everyone stared at Galaxie in shock.

Ayisha raised her hand. Since we're going to be wearing our helmet for at least a couple of hours, how will we breathe?

The suit draws oxygen from your environment. If there is oxygen, no matter how small, the suit will use it, Galaxie informed her.

Make sure your helmets are up and weapons are handy, Aidan commanded as his suit extended over his head.

Everyone followed Aidan's example and raised their helmets. Aidan stood, joined by Galaxie, who slipped under his arm. The others followed. Solana, find us a launch bay with minimal traffic and personnel and transport us together.

The room fell silent as everyone waited for Solana. The only launch bays with minimal or no traffic are located on Astwihad's space station and only two contain fighters. The entire station has an unusual amount of shielding, but I can place you at the juncture between the spoke and the main body of the station where the shields are weakest. You will need to find your own way to the launch bay, located towards the outward end of the spoke. The backup crew will have to return to the drop off point for pickup. In addition, translation will take longer than usual, so hang on.

Aidan spoke. Okay people, things are looking a little complicated already, but if we have to, we can run the distance. I hope we find a transport along the way we can use. Let’s remember to stay tight and only communicate telepathically. Furthermore, don't broadcast your thoughts. Direct them only to the specific person or persons your message is intended for. Everyone nodded. We're ready Solana.

~Chapter Two~

Aidan held his breath. One minute he stood in the conference room on Solana, the next, he found himself ‘between’. During the translation, he saw everything at once. Where he had been, where he hung now in the blackness of space and his target destination all blurred together in front of him, Wow, I bet this is how a triple-exposed photograph looks. Finally, Astwihad's space station solidified around him.

Ayisha gasped in fear and everyone drew their weapons before they realized their own reflections stared back at them from many crystal surfaces.

Wow! Quin blew out his breath. I thought for a minute we were surrounded, and this trip was over before we'd even begun.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and put their weapons away.

The Tridents constructed everything out of a type of crystalline quartz—their buildings, their ships, even their furniture. Galaxie told them.

Amazing! Ayisha looked around her in appreciation. Their worlds must have been really beautiful.

Aidan took the lead. Everyone followed him silently while Liam, walking backwards, protected their rear flank. The corridor they found themselves in appeared empty and silent, except for their ghostly reflections. 

This is freaking me out, Quin telepathed to everyone, pointing at the walls.

We’re all a little wigged out Quin, Liam agreed.

The Trichinas had no difficulty seeing despite the near darkness. They made their way down the long, straight hallway listening for any sound, trying to ignore their reflections, moving with them.

A silent alarm flashed a red light in the wall in front of Astwihad as he worked in his laboratory. He rushed over to the monitors in time to observe a group of humanoids standing at a junction near one of the spokes of his station. How did they get here without me seeing them? I’ll kill those damn clones who installed my alarm system. Nothing works around here. They’re worse than useless, he raged.

He watched the beings stand together for a moment, one took the lead, guiding the others out of his surveillance range. Unable to ascertain the direction the humanoids took, Astwihad called in every fighter. Intruders are on board. I want troops deployed to my Space Station. All active fighters report to docking bay six. I want a complete sweep done in this area. Now!

The clones who installed my alarm system are to report to me immediately! He telepathed.

After jogging along the endless corridor for fifteen minutes and seeing nothing but their own reflections, Liam stopped. Hold up everyone. Shouldn’t we have found some kind of transport by now? He looked back the way they had come. Maybe we took a wrong turn…

Everyone stopped except Aidan. I see something up ahead. He took off, disappearing around a curve in the hallway. It’s a transport station and it looks deserted. Come on people!

Running at full speed, the group slowed to a walk as they caught up with Aidan, who stepped onto a platform. Aidan analyzed a map at the transport tube’s service section. A clear, bullet-shaped, crystal conveyance sat in front of the platform with the doors open.

Aidan turned to the others while pointing at the train. From behind his helmet, he smiled at Galaxie. We should take this transport tube. From what I can understand of the map, this will take us to the launch bay we’ve been looking for. Aidan grinned at Liam. Unless Liam would prefer to continue running?

Liam grumbled under his breath as he stepped into the long, narrow, and rather constricting space. The rest of the group followed, ducking their heads. Long benches lined both walls. They dropped into their seats as the train took off. The seats conformed to their bodies and held them in place despite the incredible speed of the train. They passed into a huge, open chamber where giant robots moved large sections of crystalline structure together.

Look at the size of some of those machines! Liam exclaimed. They’re big enough to build battleships. It looks like we’re passing through a glass and metal junkyard on one side of the tracks with a building facility on the other side. Liam added.

Ayisha nudged Galaxie with her elbow while pointing. What do you think is going on over there?

From what I can see, those large robots are building the main body of a clone fighter. And…see those small robots? Galaxie pointed. They appear to be doing finishing work. Galaxie leaned against Aidan who put his arm around her shoulders.

I see bunches of little robots digging around in the piles of junk on the other side of the train tracks. They appear to be looking for parts to use for the fighters they’re building. Liam added.

Wait a minute, Quin interrupted, enjoying Ayisha’s proximity. Those robots are just moving crystal pieces into position, but the crystal is growing and reaching out to connect with the closest piece. The crystal itself is growing the ship and the robots are just guiding the crystal!

I see what you mean. Ayisha’s soft thoughts echoed in everyone’s head. I can see the crystal growing. I thought at first, I was looking at an optical illusion, but it’s not. The pieces are growing toward each other.

Quin leaned against Liam trying to see better. I wonder how the robots get the crystal to grow the way they want? Liam shoved Quin away from him with a quiet groan. How about a little room buddy?

I need to get off this thing before I hurl. He thought to himself as Quin patted him on the leg in sympathy. Hang in there, it shouldn’t be much longer.

They’re using a laser or energy wave of some sort. Aidan observed. See how they’re aiming the wand tool at the crystal?

I don’t see anything coming out of the wand though. Quin squinted his eyes, trying to enhance his vision more.

Just because we can’t see anything doesn’t mean it’s not happening, Aidan told him.

Look! Ayisha pointed to her left. Those little robots are moving the finished fighters to the train station we’re headed toward.

Everyone stared at the many limbed, bright colored robots as they dragged and pushed the fighters in the direction Ayisha pointed. Their train slowed down and curved toward the station. They sure are fast; reminds me of bees whizzing around a beehive. 

I see another train. Ayisha leaned forward.

Yeah, a train with flatbed cars, probably for loading the fighters on. Quin turned away from the view. Hey, Galaxie, how far have we come so far?

I estimate the area we have passed through spans about seventy miles, Galaxie informed everyone.

Wow! Big. Quin turned back to the view.

And we’ve done that distance in under ten minutes. Which means this train is traveling at 420 miles an hour! Aidan grinned.

I see a bunch of equipment here just gathering dust. In addition, for every robot working on a fighter, I see a dozen more powered down and doing nothing. Liam commented, his thoughts murky and grey.

Why would Astwihad continue to build fighters? He has plenty from where I’m sitting. Galaxie, how many ships can they complete in a day? Quin asked.

Hard to say, Quin. I imagine all the spokes are laid out in the same way, with a shipyard and a launch bay; so, a great many. Galaxie mused. They all stared at Galaxie in shock as she revealed the scale of Astwihad's plan.

Aidan shook his head. So, in a nutshell, this space station is a building, growing and holding facility for new ships and clones.

Galaxie nodded, leaning her head against Aidan’s shoulder. As soon as we can, we should access a computer terminal and verify.

 The train stopped on a dime behind the flatbed train, the embracing cushions keeping them from serious injury.

Our train is not going anywhere until the train in front of us is loaded. Galaxie patted Aidan on the leg.

You’re right, we can’t stay here. We’re going to need to travel the rest of the way on foot. Aidan stood up, bumping his head on the ceiling of the car. Ouch! Watch out for the low ceiling. He and Galaxie stepped off the train on the station side, away from the robots headed their way.

Everyone stumbled out of the tube and stood for a moment stretching and allowing their stomachs to catch up with them. Looking ahead, Quin turned to the others. I can see another huge door about five miles ahead. The tracks run right under it.

Behind them came the sound of the fighters rolling on the crystal floor as the small robots towed them rapidly toward them.

Liam took deep, gulping breaths. Thank Creator the train stopped. I really didn’t want to throw up in my suit.

Come on. Aidan phased to the launch bay doors with the rest of the team quickly following. You’re right, the tracks travel right under the door so there must be another station on the other side. Galaxie, could you please pop in and check the other side for us? I’d rather not open the doors and find ourselves surrounded.

Galaxie responded by shimmering, becoming translucent and walking through the door. The group huddled together, keeping an eye on the corridor stretched out in front and behind them. A moment later, Galaxie reappeared, became solid once again, and gave them two thumbs up. The place is deserted; you are free to enter.

Aidan squeezed her arm. Thanks. I’m a little nervous about the place being completely deserted. We're either having phenomenal luck or someone already knows we're here and this is a trap.

No sense in second-guessing everything, boss, I say we press on. Quin headed for the door. Operating on an adrenaline high, he couldn’t wait to fly one of the clone fighters.

Galaxie opened the doors and stepped in ahead of everyone else. Curving around to the right and a quarter mile from the door they found another train station where the tracks ended. She walked across the tracks. From what I can see, the launch bay is used as a storage facility for unused fighters, just waiting for the clones who will operate them, to be grown.

Ayisha held back, butterflies slamming around in her stomach. Liam laid his hand on her arm. Are you okay? She swallowed hard and nodded, looking up at him, trying to appear brave and composed. I'll do my part, don't worry about me.

Quin following on Galaxie’s heels, stopped short, gaping at what he saw before him. Wow! This place is freaking huge!

Lined with dark crystal, the floors, walls and ceiling magnified and reflected the huge number of fighters resting in the space. The fighters resembled cut crystal, lighter in color than the room, making them easier to see. Built larger in the middle, the fighter bodies tapered to a point front and rear, allowing the pilot and gunner to sit side by side in the wider, center section of the ship.

Aidan strode into the massive space and stopped before a fighter. How do we get into the things? He slowly walked around the ship.

Quin jogged over to Aidan and made his own inspection, while Galaxie waved to Ayisha and Liam, who remained near the door. No one is inside. Come on you two. Galaxie turned and strode to where Aidan and Quin discussed the door issue.

Let's go! Liam commanded to Ayisha as he gritted his teeth and followed Galaxie.

Ayisha stood at the door, trembling. She hated the huge space, filled with ghostly reflections, shimmering on every surface.

Quin looked around the hanger and noticed Ayisha hadn't moved from the doorway. He returned to her, holding out his hand. Come on Ayisha. Galaxie would let us know of any clones are hiding inside. He grabbed Ayisha's hand and pulled her into the room. She clutched at his arm, hanging on for dear life, her eyes behind her faceplate as big as saucers.

They reached the others without incident and Quin tapped Liam on the shoulder. I'll stay with Ayisha. Liam, you pilot for Aidan.

No! Ayisha objected as she stepped away from Quin. I'm all right now. Liam and I can handle the backup. Let's stick with the plan. Ayisha's voice rang in their heads, strong as iron. Embarrassed by her weakness, she became angry.

Are you sure, Ayisha? Quin asked, concern coating his thoughts.

I'm sure! Ayisha’s voice snapped angrily. Liam, let’s find the control room. She turned and, with her back ramrod straight, headed toward the interior bay doors they had just come through.

She stopped in her tracks at Galaxie's unexpected verbal warning, Uh, Oh!

Liam and Quin had been staring at Ayisha when Galaxie spoke. They both whirled around and looked in Galaxie’s direction.

Quin whispered, That's never a good sound.

Ayisha slowly turned back to the group, her fear rushing back.

Aidan telepathed to everyone, Quiet Quin, we agreed to use telepathy! What’s wrong Galaxie?

Look at the ships, Galaxie pointed.

Everyone turned and looked at the fighters. They turned back to Galaxie with puzzled expressions on their faces.

What do you see? Aidan stood behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders.

The ships are too small for you or Liam. Galaxie looked between Aidan and the fighters.

Again, everyone looked between Aidan and the ship.

I should have considered this. The clones are only four feet tall, so their ships won’t fit you or Liam. I suppose Quin and Ayisha would be able to fit, although the seat will be tight for Quin. Galaxie looked toward Ayisha.

Ayisha backed up. No way I’m getting in one of those things! She practically shrieked into everyone's thoughts, causing them to spin around to face her.

Ayisha, you will be all right. I will give you all the information you will need. Once you understand what to do you will not feel afraid, Galaxie telepathed so everyone could hear.

Quin rushed over to Ayisha, taking her hands in his, speaking only to her. I'll look out for you Ayisha, you can count on me. We came all this way to do this, we can’t turn back now. You can do this!

Ayisha stood with her feet planted, shaking her head, her eyes wide.

Galaxie's voice held only sympathy. I understand if you are too frightened. I am sure Quin can handle things by himself.

Ayisha's fear shifted into anger. I’m not scared! Quin and I can handle things just fine! You do your download thing Galaxie, and we'll get out of here!

Quin wasn't surprised by Ayisha's sudden change from fear and resistance to anger and motivation. He had seen her use anger before as a defense mechanism. Anger helped her focus.

Galaxie stood beside Aidan as Ayisha and Quin worked things out. She admired Ayisha's courage. Anger seems to work well for her when dealing with fear, she thought.

Aidan put his arm around Galaxie's shoulders, and she leaned into him. How strange, she thought, I am immortal, yet I experience feelings of safety and protection in his arms.

A surge of warmth and protectiveness came over Aidan as Galaxie snuggled into him. So warm and alive, he thought. His heart swelled.

Aidan reluctantly released Galaxie. Come on Liam, we better get the launch bay doors open. He pointed to the right of the interior bay doors, where they could see a room enclosed in clear crystal, twenty feet above the deck. I’d say we found the control room. He headed toward the area, followed by Liam.

I will be right behind you. Galaxie watched Aidan depart, enjoying the view.

Have you decided which fighter to use Ayisha? Quin put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. He perceived her trembling, but she stuck her chin out and shook him off.

I'm all for picking the closest one and getting the hell out of here. I can't help feeling we’re pushing our luck by hanging around. Ayisha headed for the nearest fighter. Galaxie, can you give us the information we need now?

Yes, of course. Galaxie turned to Ayisha and touched her temple with one hand and she touched Quin’s with the other. A blue arc appeared from Galaxie’s finger to each of their temples.

Finished. Now just close your eyes and give everything a moment to sink in. I have downloaded some upgrades you can make which will increase the speed of the fighter and boost the shields. These upgrades should serve you in your escape, but they will take approximately ten minutes to complete. When you are ready, you must enter the fighter telepathically. Both of you command the ship to open, and the access port will reveal itself.

If they're flown telepathically, are the weapons fired the same way? Ayisha asked. Because, I'm pretty sure we're gonna need weapons.

Galaxie answered, yes, they are, Ayisha. I have already downloaded the information for you. You will need to operate the weapons while Quin pilots the fighter. A second later, before Ayisha could protest, dawning lit her face. Oh! Whoa, freaky! One minute, I haven't got a clue what I'm doing, and the next, everything seems so simple even a kindergartener could do the job.

By the way, Galaxie interrupted her reverie. The clones do not have any idea what race is infiltrating their ships. They did not see Aidan or me the first time, when we rescued the twins. Moreover, as we are wearing our helmets this time, they will not know who we are, or what we are capable of.

Quin spoke up. Hopefully, they’ll consider twice about attacking us. I don’t want to get in a fire fight, let's just get to Solana.

I'm all for that! Ayisha agreed.

Quin and Ayisha stood still with their eyes closed, allowing the download to become anchored in their minds. Galaxie headed after Aidan and Liam.

Brain download is a great way to learn, Quin mused in awe.

Three minutes later, Quin opened his eyes. Where’s Galaxie? Looking around, he shrugged his shoulders and strode toward the fighter, while Ayisha stood rooted to the spot, her eyes still closed.

Without warning, the cargo bay doors began to open. What are you doing Aidan!? We're not ready yet! Quin shouted as he grabbed a hold of the edge of the fighter. Ayisha get over here!

Ayisha’s eyes popped open and she ran to Quin. Slipping under his arms she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her head in his chest as he hung onto the edge of the fighter with both hands. What is going on?

~Chapter Three~

Aidan and Liam walked back and forth, trying to figure out how to reach the control room. Everything blended, which they found disorienting. On his second pass, Aidan stopped on a round plate of crystal and struggled to keep his balance when the plate rose off the ground. Liam, who had been right on Aidan's heels,